PROTOTYPING A GEOLOGY LAYER FOR GOOGLE EARTH

Google Earth uses Layers as a means of organizing related types of geographic data beneath its primary database. Geologic data is not currently organized into a single unified layer, though some types of geologic information are included in other existing Google Earth Layers (e.g., earthquakes, volcanoes). Because so many types of geologic data lend themselves to geographic organization and visualization in Google Earth, it seems reasonable that a curated Geology Layer could be of great value in both geologic education and enhancing public awareness of the global distribution of geologic materials, hazardous processes, and environmental issues. This poster will demonstrate the sorts of geological data that could be delivered in a Google Earth Geology Layer (e.g., geologic maps, analytical data, outcrop photos and GigaPans, virtual field trips, etc) and will suggest some possible organizational schemes for such a layer. Community feedback will be sought about how best to proceed with development, organization, and curation of this layer.